Bhastrika Breath is a wonderful breathing practice to do in the winter for your overall health and well-being. Bhastrika is a Sanskrit word for Bellows or Breath of Fire. Our own fire in the body is ignited in the solar plexus, the third energy centre, or chakra.
People who are seen to have ‘fire in their belly’ means that they are energetic, enthusiastic and fierce. They have emotional stamina and vigour. They are driven by passion and purpose to achieve something and to take action.
The solar plexus is the hub of power and light, and a steady blaze here is the source of good health as well as success in both worldly and spiritual pursuit. Figuratively speaking, the Bhastrika breath keeps the ‘fire in the belly’ going in us. The breath is like ‘fanning the flames’ within us to keep our energy level balanced and upbeat.
The benefits of practicing Bhastrika
The technique is vigorous and involves a rapid series of active inhalations and exhalations and in order to practice it safely, it is best to learn it in a yoga class with an experienced teacher.
- Generates heat in the body and purifies vital organs
Just as a bellows draws in air and pushes it across glowing coals to generate more heat, Bhastrika uses the action of the abdominal muscles and diaphragm to draw air in and out of the lungs, generating heat in the body by squeezing blood through the digestive organs, toning the liver, spleen, stomach, and pancreas, and increasing digestive capacity.
Clears congestion
Bhastrika can help prevent colds and coughs. It helps to keep the nasal passages clear and mucus-free and releases stale air from the sinuses and lungs. This can help prevent colds and coughs.
- Improves physical and mental state
Bhastrika can balance and strengthen the nervous system, promoting a sense of peace, tranquillity, and clarity. It builds stamina, enthusiasm, and a general state of well-being.
The Basic Practice of Bhastrika
Please Click the 2 Links Below to watch the Bhastika Breath in action.
Video 1 – Bhastrika Breath Technique
Sitting in a supported and comfortable, upright position, begin with taking a few deep, even breaths. . When you’re ready, exhale by contracting the abdominal muscles forcefully to expel the breath fully. Follow it with a quick diaphragmatic inhalation, and let the abdominal muscles relax completely.
Video 2 – Practice 3 rounds
Start slowly—at the rate of one breath per second—and limit yourself to 3 rounds of 7 to 10 breaths. Take a series of relaxed breaths between rounds.
At the end, take a few minutes to rest, feeling the energy you’ve created and allowing the breath to settle. Soon, you will notice your stamina, enthusiasm, and sense of well-being will increase.
Please note that you should not try it if you have high blood pressure, ulcers, a hernia, heart disease, epilepsy, vertigo or struggle with anxiety. There are several other less vigorous practices that will offer similar benefits.
Please get in touch with me to find out more.
I will be teaching this powerful Pranayama, the Bhastrika Breath, to all my students this Autumn and Winter in my regular weekly classes and also my upcoming Yoga Workshops.
Please check out My Yoga Classes and the Yoga Workshops on my Events Section.
Namaste 🙏
